A new chapter begins for South African Airways (SAA). The national carrier has officially announced the resignation of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, effective at the end of April 2026. The decision was formalized by the Board and accepted by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy.

A Tenure Defined by Resilience

Having joined SAA in July 2021 as Board Chairperson, John Lamola stepped into the operational cockpit in May 2022. His challenge was immense: steering the airline as it emerged from a grueling business rescue process while navigating the lingering aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The track record of his leadership highlights a significant phase of reconstruction:

• Fleet Expansion: Growing the fleet from just 5 to 19 aircraft.

• Network Growth: Increasing the destination count from 6 to 17 routes.

• Global Footprint: Overseeing the strategic return of long-haul flights to São Paulo and Perth.

“Professor Lamola leaves behind a lasting and positive legacy for the organization,” stated Sedzani Mudau, SAA Board Chairperson.

Transition Amid Global Headwinds

To ensure stability during the transition, the Board has appointed Mr. Matshela Seshibe, current CEO of SAA’s subsidiary Air Chefs, as Acting GCEO. A formal recruitment process for a permanent successor is expected to follow.

This leadership change comes at a time when the carrier continues to face stiff challenges. Beyond the recent resignation of three board members, SAA must navigate a volatile global economic climate, particularly the surge in fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Flight Path Ahead

Despite these external pressures, Minister Barbara Creecy expressed confidence in the remaining board members to fulfill their fiduciary duties. The priority for the incoming leadership will be to cement the airline’s profitability while continuing the network expansion necessary for SAA to reclaim its position as a dominant force in African aviation.

Aero Scope Africa Newsroom